September 2012 – Page 2 – Gardens For Goldens

Hunter’s Transformation

You might recall from the Hunter’s Beauty post a couple of weeks ago, a dog that arrived at Homeward Bound understandably scared, a little distrustful, and very uncertain about his new surroundings.

I made the mistake of asking him to sit for a photo, not knowing that it had taken Rob, one of the trainers, forever to coax him out for a walk. He sat; then he laid down; and he refused to move.

Maybe it was the only control he felt he could exert in this situation that had been thrust upon him. Maybe he was just sad.

Rob waited. And waited. And waited some more. He waited until Hunter decided it was OK to get up. Then he waited while Hunter decided it was OK to continue the walk.

His patience with Hunter was about building trust. And in just a couple of short weeks, it has paid off ten fold.

When we saw Hunter this weekend, he was a changed dog. Happy, attentive, and definitely not sitting still!

He wanted to be anywhere that Rob wanted to be, and he didn’t mind at all if we wanted to offer pets!

This is the magic that the dedicated Homeward Bound team works with the Goldens who are lucky enough to make it here. And yet, it is not really magic at all. It’s about respect, bonding, tender loving care, and a promise of a better future. That’s magic that you could offer too.

Rescue. Adopt. Foster. There are a whole bunch of Hunters out there desperate for a second chance.

Indian Summer: Autumn Mosaic

“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.”
–S. Horowitz

Camping was cool relief, but I’m not quite ready to give up the warmth for winter yet – so nothing beats returning from the foggy ocean to Indian summer in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden.

Cool morning temperatures provide the motivation for chores: mowing grasses, moving trees, adding fall color,

and fixing bunny-chewed drip lines (thank you, Maria!)

Warm afternoons are a good time to be lazy and bask in the colors of early autumn,

capture a few garden surprises,

and just enjoy the company of dogs.

Dog walker visits to the garden climb as the temperatures drop. It seems that everyone wanted to be out walking today. Thurman was up early with his cute freckled nose…

Polite Wee Bow…

and Hank…

and the enthusiastic, Big Boy.

Dusty was hugging up on Maria;

until one of our favorite duos, Marie and Mosh stole the show (Marie is a bit of a ham for the camera!);

while Roxie appears to have created a special connection with a family looking to fill the void left by a beloved companion. I heard a happy rumor that paperwork was being worked on as I left.

Rob asked for photos of Buster, who is always a little bit too busy with his ball to put on a smile. Look…no ball! We’re making progress.

And later this week, I’ll post an update on Hunter – the older Golden that you might remember from the Hunter’s Beauty post.

We met Susan and Jeff today; our Tree Circle gardeners.

They planted some more tri-color Jasmine among others, and plan a bed of pansies that will add color late into the fall, refreshed in early spring.

Mike and Jody were moving trees. Making a permanent home for the Orchid Tree.

They relocated a fruitless Mulberry and added a Crape Myrtle. The clay soil is more than a little tough going in spots (I think I heard the mention of a jack hammer!) but it’s a good time to get them in and established before the winter.

BTW, Maria gets full credit for people photos! I had to call for support, being a little plant and dog obsessed. Until next weekend…